Electrical Considerations When Purchasing an Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger

Most all drivers of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and Electric Vehicles (EVs) are in the habit of charging their electric vehicles at home overnight using either AC Level 1 or AC Level 2 EV charging equipment. 

Most often, residential charging equipment is installed in a home’s garage, but there are also safe methods of safely installing chargers outdoors even if the vehicle is being exposed to or charged in the rain or other outdoor elements. In order to utilize outdoor charging equipment, outdoor-rated charging equipment is required. Additionally, if the charging is taking place at multi-family dwellings (like apartment complexes), additional considerations for safety must be made and the chargers will be more similar to public chargers than chargers used in a single family dwelling.

If you are an EV or PHEV owner, you will most likely be able to meet your daily driving range needs by simply charging your vehicle overnight using an AC Level 1 EVSE. These require no additional cost or installation as long as the power outlet is on a dedicated branch circuit near the parking location of the vehicle. If you are a driver with a longer commute or an irregular schedule, your best option is the AC Level 2 charging equipment. Often there are incentives offered by the state to help offset the costs.

Contact a professional electrical contractor, like those at John’s Electric, to find out if your home has the proper and adequate electrical capacity for electrical vehicle charging. Your home may or may not have the capacity for AC Level 2 equipment. If this is the case, one of our qualified electricians can add circuits to accommodate the power and capacity needed for the charging level that works best for you.